Instructor Resources

Instructor Canvas Orientation Course

The Instructor Canvas Orientation Course is designed for instructors who have never used Canvas or who are just getting started. By the end of the course, participants should have a basic understanding of the Canvas platform and be ready to use Canvas with their classes, whether they intend to teach fully online or simply move a portion of their activities and lectures online. Email CanvasHelp@cisco.edu to enroll.

Best Practices for Teaching Online

A Best Practice Checklist has been created for online courses at Cisco College. The checklist provides benchmarks in four main areas:

Course Information

Design and Accessibility

Content and Assessment

Interaction

Instructors may use the checklist as a self-assessment as they develop their courses. Additionally, it can be used for review with a peer, division/department chair, and the Director of Distance Education. To obtain a copy, enroll in the Canvas Instructor Orientation Course or email CanvasHelp@cisco.edu.

Canvas Guides

Instructors can visit the Canvas Instructor Guide to learn Canvas basics, including uploading the syllabus, creating assignments, using grading features, and more.

Canvas Updates

Want to keep up with Canvas updates? Bookmark the Release Notes. This page will provide information about upcoming updates and their release schedule.

Zoom

Cisco College is a subscriber to Zoom Video Conferencing. Zoom Rooms are available at both the Cisco Campus and Abilene Educational Center. Zoom Rooms can connect to anyone with an Internet connection, as well as H.323 (ITV) connectors. Additionally, instructors can download Zoom to their personal computers, allowing real-time communication to supplement their online and hybrid courses. The basic account is free and anyone can signup. Cisco College also has a limited number of paid accounts, which permit additional participants in a meeting, unlimited meeting length, and recording.